AFTER months of looking like a surrealist painter’s work in progress, the speeches were made, the ribbon was cut, and the new look Abergavenny was officially opened at 11am today.

And the finished product, it has to be said, looks very impressive. Rather like an oil painting by an old master.

The colourful and the great, led by Abergavenny’s first citizen Chris Woodhouse, in all his mayoral pomp and majesty, led the dignitaries, councillors, contractors and members of the construction team through High Street, into Nevill Street, and onto St. John’s Square, so the gathered assembled could not only appreciate old mother Abergavenny’s facelift, but also bear witness to the hustle, bustle, thriving commerce and cafe ambience of the Gateway to Wales.

Shaking his head in both admiration and wonder that the work had been completed in time for the National Eisteddfod, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council Peter Fox said, “The town is looking fantastic. St. John’s Square in particular. I sincerely hope that the community in Abergavenny really make the most of this spectacular development, and I am sure it will bring a lot more people to the town.

“The contractors and the councilors have done a great job in pulling this off, and Abergavenny has really become a spectacular showcase for the whole of Monmouthshire.”

Mayor Chris Woodhouse was bristling with civic pride as he strutted the new look streets of his beloved town and enthused to the Chronicle, “This is just the start. We have big ambitions for the town’s future and development. Next year we will be looking to improve even more things in Abergavenny, and if the funding is there I can’t see why we cannot redevelop as far as the war monument.”

The jubilant Mayor added, “Being able to use the revamped St. John’s Square to support the food Festival and other big events is a massive plus in Abergavenny’s favour.

“I’m excited about the future, not least because Abergavenny has its highest footfall and the lowest number of empty shops in eight years.

“Abergavenny has really become an eye-catching jewel in Monmouthshire’s sparkling crown, and our job now is to keep polishing it until it shines even brighter.”

Admiring the work carried out in Nevill Street, County and Town Councillor Maureen Powell said, “It’s been a long time coming but it’s been well worth the wait. Of course this improvement would have taken place even if the Eisteddfod wasn’t being hosted in Abergavenny this year, but to have the town looking so lovely ahead of such a major event and all the visitors it will bring is just amazing.

“Obviously MCC has a limited budget and we need to cater for the entire county, but it’s so pleasing to see how Abergavenny has benefited and will continue to benefit from such a significant project. The town looks better than I have ever seen it.”

Councillor Powell added, “I think we were very lucky to have Alun Griffiths contractors carrying out the work. They’re a local company whose professionalism is second to none and the quality of their work is quite simply outstanding.”

MCC Chairman Jim Higginson was on hand to cut the ribbon in St. John’s Square, and beneath dark and brooding skies, swarming with clouds and the threat of rain, he said, “I was born not far from here in Ebbw Vale and through the years I have seen Abergavenny develop from a town with a lot of traffic to one that is heavily pedestrianised.

“I look around St. John’s Square today and can see how such an area will be great for families and young children to gather, socialize and play without the fear of cars whizzing around. Abergavenny is all about community and St. John’s Square will definitely become a focal point for that community.”

The official opening ended with St Mary’s Priory Canon Mark Soady giving a short blessing on the town and the work that had been done. He also expressed his heartfelt hope that Abergavenny would flourish and prosper during the Eisteddfod week, and the weeks, months and years to follow.

Taking a break from celebrating the completion of the project with the construction team, Monmouthshire County Council’s Civil Engineer Rob Davies explained to the Chronicle, “I am really happy that the work has been carried out to the design of the original plans, leaving St. John’s Square with a very open and positive feel.

“We have already seen how popular the area has become with people since its completion And I feel that popularity is just going to grown and grow.”

Mr Davies added, “Of course, none of this would have been possible without the construction boys on the ground. The lads from Merthyr and elsewhere have worked diligently with great care and effort to bring this project home on time. Cracking stuff lads. On behalf of Abergavenny I’d like to thank each and every one of them.”

Now you’ve got your new town folks, all that needs to be done it to get out there and enjoy it!